Harambee Stars vs Pakistan: 5 players to watch
By Collins Amanga, June 13, 2023
Harambee Stars are gearing up to face Pakistan in a Four Nations match on Wednesday, June 14, as they continue their preparations for upcoming CAF and FIFA assignments later this year.
This will be their second match since the FIFA ban was lifted, and several players are expected to impress and are worth keeping an eye on:
1. Michael Olunga
Olunga, a former Gor Mahia and Tusker FC striker, is set to embark on the international season following an impressive campaign in the Qatari All-Stars league.
In the recently concluded season, Olunga emerged as the top scorer of the Qatari league, netting 22 goals in 22 matches, averaging a goal per match.
Additionally, he contributed three assists, making him directly involved in a total of 25 goals throughout the season.
Olunga has established himself as a proven goalscorer, amassing an impressive record of 240 goals in 280 appearances for various clubs since the beginning of his career after high school.
Once again, Olunga will proudly wear the captain’s armband as he aims to continue his outstanding form, both at the national team and club level.
Having already scored 22 goals for Harambee Stars, he will be eager to add another goal to his tally as he reaches his 50th appearance milestone.
In the previous match against Iran, Olunga found the back of the net, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess. He will be highly motivated to score in back-to-back matches and contribute to the team’s success.
With great expectations placed upon him, fans will look up to Olunga to lead from the front and inspire his teammates with his exceptional performances.
His ability to find the net consistently and his leadership qualities make him a key figure for Harambee Stars.
2. Eric Ouma
Eric Ouma, an experienced defender, is set to make his 18th appearance for Kenya. He made his debut in 2016 and also featured in the Africa Cup of Nations. With a total of 1,378 minutes played, Ouma has established himself as a key player in the squad.
At the club level, the AIK defender has made nine appearances in 12 matches this season. His team has conceded 10 goals and managed three clean sheets in the nine matches of the Allsvenskan 2023 season.
This means that when Ouma is on the pitch, his team concedes a goal every 78 minutes. He has been a consistent performer, making 1.38 tackles and 1.03 interceptions per 90 minutes. Ouma’s defensive prowess is further evident as he accumulates about 1.15 clearances per game.
In the Allsvenskan 2023 season, he has taken five shots, with three of them on target and two off target, resulting in a shooting accuracy of 60.00%. Despite not yet scoring or assisting, Ouma has made a significant impact with his passing game.
He boasts an impressive passing success rate of 275 successful passes out of 320 attempted, including eight key passes. Additionally, out of the 35 crosses he has delivered this season, eight have been successful.
In the upcoming match, Ouma is expected to play a crucial role as a fullback. His ability to deliver accurate crosses and contribute to the team’s attacking moves will be instrumental, particularly in supporting Michael Olunga’s success in the match. Ouma’s presence on the field will be vital for the team’s defensive stability and offensive threat.
3.Richard Odada
Richard Odada, a 22-year-old midfielder from the Philadelphia Union, made his debut for the national team against Uganda at the age of 20.
Despite Kenya playing to a goalless draw, Odada showcased his skills and left a positive impression in the midfield. Since then, he has featured in six matches for the national team and has established himself as a key player.
As he prepares to make his seventh appearance for the national team, Odada will be eager to continue his impressive performances.
His role in the upcoming match will be crucial, particularly in the absence of key defenders Joseph Okumu and Brian Mandela. Odada will be expected to make tackles and provide defensive support, helping to protect the Kenyan defense.
Given his growing stature in the team, Odada will have an opportunity to shine and demonstrate his abilities on the field.
Fans and coaches will be looking to him to step up and deliver a standout performance in the midfield.
4. Hassan Abdallah
After making a mark in the national team in 2021, Abdallah aims to continue his impressive performances.
Although he missed the recent match against Iran after being left on the bench, he has proven his goal-scoring abilities both at the international level and with his club.
With 11 goals for his club, he is a player to watch if given the opportunity in the starting lineup.
5. Benson Omala
Finally included in the squad, Omala brings great promise as a striker. After being dropped from the squad to Iran, his exclusion sparked debates among football fans.
With an impressive record of 25 goals in the FKF Premier League and a notable performance with the Kenya U20 team, Omala is eager to prove himself at the national team level.
His competition with Olunga for a spot in the attack will add excitement and raise the team’s attacking potential.